Wine tasting, pancake breakfast among 21 things to do this weekend in Rockford

The first weekend in March has some big events.

Shop 400+ stores during the Vintage Shop Hop, learn about dinosaurs at Burpee's Paleofest, go see Monster Trucks at the BMO Center, see Three Dog Night or kick off Women's History Month at Midway Village Museum.

Here are 21 arts, fundraising and educational things to do in the Rockford area this weekend plus several coming up next week.

First Friday Wine Tasting

What: Join us to help raise money for the Rotary Club of Rockford. We will sample 24 different wines from around the world. Rotary is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever: promoting peace; fighting disease; providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; saving mothers and children; supporting education; and growing local economies.

When: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, March 1

Where: Artale Wine Co., 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: $20 cash or check donation to the Rotary Club of Rockford

26th Annual Paleofest 2024

What: PaleoFest has become the premier paleontology event that brings the general public together to mingle and listen to talks by world renowned paleontologists from across the globe. From dinosaurs to mammoths to fish to microfossils and neuro paleontology and everything in between, PaleoFest has something for all ages and all paleontology interests including daytime talks, family workshops, Paleo Passport stations, Art of the Earth classes and exploring the exhibit halls of the museum. Students, interested community members and aspiring scientists are encouraged to join the experts as they share stories, research and experiences. Families can enjoy hands-on workshops, lectures for children and activities for families throughout our museum. Bring your best dino roar and paleo costume, and jump into fun ways to experience the museum. Learn about prehistoric animals and explore the halls. Note: An adult must accompany children ages 4-12. Additional parking will be available at Goodwill, 850 N. Church St. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase.

When: Friday, March 1 – Sunday, March 3

Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford

Vintage Shop Hop

What: The Vintage Shop Hop is a self-guided day of vintage and boutique shopping held twice a year. We're gathering 400+ vintage & antique shops, along with barn sales, women\'s boutiques & home decor shops in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin to roll out the red carpet for you. Each participating shop offers up an "in-store" promotion: discounts, demonstrations, artists on-site, prize drawings, treats, entertainment, food trucks, swag bags, punch cards, parking lot sales and more. All shops will be open from at least 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; some may have earlier or later hours. Be sure to check our list and map over the next several weeks for each shop\'s times. The list grows every day.

When: Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2

Where: 400+ vintage and antique shops in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin

Framed: Composition in Film & Art

What: Have you ever been watching a movie and thought, \"This scene looks like a painting?\" So have we! The rules of good composition transcend all art forms and film is no exception. A great cinematographer creates frame after frame of scenes that could stand alone as works of art. In this group show, we have tasked the artists with choosing some of their favorites and recreating them in their own unique styles.

When: Opens 5-10 p.m. Friday, March 1; show runs through April

Where: 317 Art Collaborative, 317 Market St., Rockford

Cost: Free

Beauty and the Beast

What: The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 1; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 2; 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3 and the same times the next weekend

Where: Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: $15; $13 for children or seniors; save $2 with advance tickets

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party

What: Fans of all ages will experience the thrill of watching their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in the dark. The Glow Party production features a laser light show, theatrical effects, dance parties and giveaways. Fans can also witness a special appearance from a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team and the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Freestyle Motocross. See the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks up close and personal, exclusively guided by the hosts of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live in the pre-show VIP Backstage Tour. Experience what happens behind the scenes before all of the smashing and crashing goes down and then watch when the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks come to life. Each pass includes a VIP merchandise bundle exclusive to VIP Experience attendees. The Crash Zone pre-show will be held before each performance. To enter fans must have a crash zone ticket and event ticket. Crash Zone Party starts at 5 p.m. Arrive by 4:20 p.m. for line up. The unique experience provides fans access to the competition floor to see the outrageous designs and epic size of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, plus meet the drivers and get their autographs. Passes will be available to purchase while supplies last by adding them on to the ticket order at time of purchase.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 1 (doors open at 6:30)

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

Cost: $20-$40

Men’s Event 2024

What: Join us for an evening of worship, teaching and fun. The Men’s Event is designed to empower and inspire you to live in God’s strength and to lead in your homes, workplaces and relationships.

When: 6 p.m. Friday, March 1

Where: City First Church, 5950 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: $35

Three Dog Night

What: Legendary band, Three Dog Night, in its 5th decade, is here for concert re-scheduled from October. Since 1986, the band has performed nearly 3,000 shows including two Super Bowls. Three Dog Night hits weave through the fabric of pop culture today, whether on the radio, in TV commercials or in major motion pictures -- songs like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come),“Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” “Shambala” and “One” heighten our emotions and crystallize the band’s continuing popularity. Three Dog Night will be performing new material in which the vocals of all six members of the band are featured. Tickets for the October date will be honored.

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $46-$223

Concerts on the Creek

What: : Mark Dvorak/Ashley Simpson and the new Collaboration Project. Packaged snacks and bottled soft beverages will be available at 2:15 p.m. and, if inventory remains, during intermission. There is no admission charge, but goodwill donations from the audience pay the musicians and help to defray the church\'s event hosting costs.

When: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, March 2 (doors open at 2 p.m.)

Where: Spring Creek Church, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: $10 suggested donation

Customer Appreciation Party

What: Celebrate Neighbors’ 19th Anniversary with giveaways, free food and the Rock 5ive Band.

When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Where: Neighbors Bar & Grill, 7745 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park

Science Saturday: Insect Insanity

What: Insects don't need to be scary. Try out your bug-eyed vision, make your own insect to take home and learn about these cool creatures.

When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford

Women’s History Month Kickoff

What: Margaret Raether, author of Julie & Jane, will present “An Inside Look at Julia Lathrop & Jane Addams,” highlighting the close relationship between the Rockford-area social reformers. At 11 a.m., Rodolfo Vazquez, Rockford University student and collections intern, will share his work for our new, Women’s History exhibit – “Pioneering Women in Social Work: Trailblazers of Compassion.” Guests are invited to view Pioneering Women immediately afterward, and can interact with Julia Lathrop and Jane Addams from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Julie & Jane, performed by Artists’ Ensemble Theater, runs from March 7-24 at Cheek Theatre, Clark Arts Building, at Rockford University.

When: 10 a. m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford

Cost: Regular Admission: $10; $8 for seniors or children; free for museum members

80s Flashback Party

What: Pop Stars and Hair Bands! We are taking you on a ride of a lifetime through the 80's. Put on your jumpsuits, tease those bangs, throw on some jelly bracelets and let's party. Special prize to the best 80's look of the night.

When: 9 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Where: Rockton Inn Pub & Grub, 102 E. Main St., Rockton

Maple Syrup Hike and Pancake Breakfast

What: Join us among the trees, learning about the art of making maple syrup. Discover the history and how-to’s of tapping trees, gathering sap and turning it into sweet syrup. Test your maple syrup tasting skills, take a guided hike through our woodlands and warm up by the fire in the Lodge with a pancake breakfast - topped with locally sourced, pure maple syrup. Local maple syrup, honey and goat milk soap available for purchase. Featured Farms: Skupien Family: Baker's Acres Maple Syrup, Hazzard Free Farm grain for pancakes, Farmers Rising eggs. Space is limited; register online. Pancakes included.

When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Where: Farmers Rising, 1936 Rockton Rd, Caledonia

Cost: $15; $35 for family

Organize Your Genealogy

What: Make your genealogy efforts more efficient and meaningful. Learn what tools and methods will help you become more effective and efficient in your research efforts. The program will review traditional methods and technologies and introduce new techniques, tools and technologies. Stephen Szabados is a lecturer and author who has given numerous programs to genealogy groups and libraries.

When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Where: Rockford Public Library, 6685 E. State St., Rockford, or on Zoom

For more: wbcgensociety@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/events/242631851901084

Succulent Planter Workshop

What: Make a succulent planter in a wood box. We supply everything you need. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Limited class size.

When: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, March 2 or 10-11 a.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Landscape Connection, 4472 S. Mulford Road, Rockford

Cost: $50 per planter

Windsor Pizza Parlor Comedy Night

What: Join us with headliner Alan Ford Jr., who has performed in clubs all across the country, has opened for some of the biggest names in comedy and has two specials available on streaming platforms. Featuring Luis Arevalo, an up-and-coming comedian from Elgin who has been featured in festivals all across the country and performs in clubs all around the Midwest. Hosted by Luise Noe, one of Milwaukee''s shining comedy stars, who performs at MKEs improv and Madison's Comedy on State.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Where: Windsor Pizza Parlor, 1034 Windsor Road, Loves Park

Cost: No cover charge

Klimberbell Easter Tier Tray Event

What: Everything you need to complete projects with the exception of thread and stabilizer. Your Attendee Project Kit includes everything needed to create eight projects while at the event. Bring your lunch. Water and snacks will be provided along with prizes to attendees both in person and virtual.

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, March 2

Where: 5301 E. State St., Rockford

Spring Festival and Market

What: Music, food, coffee and vendors. Music by Emerald Wind. The Rockford Midtown Market will be able to accept Illinois Link benefits and participate in the Link Up Illinois “Link Match” program, which doubles the value of Link purchases.

When: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Where: Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St., Rockford

Stoneware Peacock Technique Party

What: Join us for a stoneware technique class focused on the peacock technique for bowls. Paint a stoneware bowl using the peacock glaze technique. Stoneware is durable, oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. The specialty glaze combinations are endless. Each ticket includes one stoneware bowl. Bowls will be ready for pick-up approximately 7 business days after class. Advance registration required. Tickets are non-refundable.

When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Where: Pottery Lounge, 312 N. Alpine Road, Suite 104, Rockford

Cost: $35

French Music with a Jazz Flair

What: This program explores the surprising connections between French music and American Jazz. The harmonies we appreciate in American Jazz were being used by French composers just a few years earlier. Featuring the music of Debussy, Ravel and Gershwin. Rockford artist Tom Linden will be creating a visual interpretation of the performance on site. Known for capturing Midwestern landscapes en plein air, Linden is an accomplished oil painter and award-winning watercolor artist. He has been painting RSO musicians during the Anderson Japanese Gardens Winter Coffee and Fireside Music events and will have paintings and sketches of the musicians in performance displayed at the concert.

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3

Where: First Lutheran Church, 584 Oak St., Rockford

Cost: $40; $15 for students 19 and older with a valid student ID; $10 tickets age 18 and younger

Coming next week

2024 Soar Awards

What: The Soar Awards in just 7 years have become the second largest Award show in the genre of gospel music. The Soar Awards have a great blend of “production” that meets “church” celebrating gospel’s biggest artists and creating a platform to showcase some of the genre’s upcoming artists. The Rockford community is welcomed to attend and celebrate gospel music’s biggest artists and the genre’s upcoming artists. This night will showcase gospel’s best and pay homage to upcoming as well as veteran acts.

When: 7 p.m. Monday, March 4, with pre-show at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $48-$108

Ready, Set Sing!

What: All men and women who love to sing are invited for free singing lessons for an hour for five Tuesday evenings. Refreshments after the lesson.

When: 7-8:15 p.m. Tuesdays, March 5 – April 2

Where: Christ Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Road, Rockford

Cost: Free

Julie and Jane

What: Jane (Marissa Noel Swanson) is working on a biography of Julie (Erin Philpott), but Julie keeps on interfering, offering unsolicited opinions, even though she’s dead. But a little thing like death won’t stop her. Julia Lathrop and Jane Addams first met as schoolgirls (“troublemakers” decrees one irate teacher) at Rockford Female Seminary (now Rockford University) and marched forth to shake the world. Over their 60-year friendship, they bickered, rejoiced, commiserated and supported one another. This world premiere play chronicles their lives and friendship.

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 7 and 8; 4 p.m. Saturday, March 9; 2 p.m. Sunday March 10; and the same times the next two Thursdays - Sundays.

Where: Rockford University Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St., Rockford

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Here are 21 things to do this weekend in the Rockford area